The father of Thomas Matthew Crooks made his first public appearance on Monday following the shocking shooting incident according to Fox News.
Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire at a rally for former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, injuring Trump and killing a bystander before being shot and killed by snipers.
Thomas Matthew Crooks’ father, whose name has not been disclosed, was seen in public for the first time since his son’s actions made headlines. On July 13, Crooks, 20, targeted a rally for former President Donald Trump, resulting in Trump’s ear being nicked, the death of Corey Comperatore, and injuries to two others.
Investigators have been turning their focus to Crooks' background and motives. They have repeatedly visited the Crooks' home in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, where they are conducting ongoing inquiries. Crooks was ultimately taken down by snipers after the incident.
Appearing with a masked woman, Crooks’ father declined to provide any immediate comments.
“We're going to release a statement when our legal counsel advises us to do so – until then, we have no comment,” he stated. He added, “We just want to try to take care of ourselves right now. Please, just give us our space.”
The authorities have confirmed Crooks' family is cooperating fully with the ongoing FBI investigation.
Investigators aim to comprehend how Crooks avoided tight security measures to position himself on the roof of an AGR manufacturing building, armed with his father's AR-15 rifle.
The motives for Crooks' actions remain unclear. However, his online activity included searches on political conventions, images of politicians, and mental health issues.
Notably, hours before the attack, his parents, both licensed professional counselors, had contacted law enforcement out of concern for their son's whereabouts.
Crooks was accepted to several universities and had recently graduated from the Community College of Allegheny County with an associate's degree in engineering. Despite these academic achievements, something led him to make that fateful decision on July 13.
A former classmate of Crooks revealed to Fox News Digital that Crooks had questioned him years ago over his support for Trump and exhibited a strong distaste for politicians in general. This revelation adds another layer to the investigation as authorities work to piece together any potential motive behind the attack.
In addition, Crooks was a registered member of a local gun club, where he had revisited just before the attack to buy ammunition. Law enforcement agencies discovered that ahead of the incident, Crooks was seen using a rangefinder – a device typically used to measure distance accurately, indicating premeditation.
In the aftermath, lawmakers and authorities, including Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, have visited the shooting site. Director Cheatle testified before Congress, addressing the troubling security breaches highlighted by the attack.
While the primary investigation into Crooks' actions continues, this incident has spurred broader discussions around rally security and preventive measures. The community in Butler, Pennsylvania, remains deeply shaken by the sudden violence that erupted during what was meant to be a routine political rally.
To recount, Thomas Matthew Crooks, on July 13, carried out a shooting at a Trump rally, injuring Trump, killing Corey Comperatore, and wounding two others before being neutralized by snipers.
Despite extensive academic accomplishments and acceptance to universities, Crooks' motives remain obscured, enveloping the investigation in mystery.
His father’s first public appearance since the shooting, alongside the ongoing scrutiny of security lapses, underscores the tragic consequences of Crooks’ actions. Investigators continue to delve into his background, seeking clarity on how he orchestrated his deadly plan and what drove him to act that day.
